Polokwane – A 58-year-old male official from Capricorn TVET College in Polokwane has been arrested for soliciting a bribe of R100 000 from a farmer from Senwabarwana, Limpopo.
The college official allegedly demanded R100 000 gratification from the farmer in exchange for releasing R750 000 project funding for using his land to conduct practical training for 33 students under the Department of Agriculture.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said the farmer also revealed that he had previously been coerced to deposit money into the official’s personal account for “coffee”.
After probing the matter, police carried out an entrapment operation on Friday, 16 October 2026, in Polokwane, where the farmer handed over R40 000 cash to the college official.
“The suspect was arrested shortly after, and the money seized,” Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said.
He is expected to appear before the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 19 October 2026, facing a charge of extortion and corruption.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Jan Petrus Scheepers, welcomed the arrest, which was carried out by the Anti-Corruption Unit, assisted by the Organised Crime Unit and Capricorn Flying Squad.
Lieutenant General Scheepers reiterated that the SAPS remains committed to rooting out corruption and bringing to book those who abuse positions of authority.
